Filter element having sealing members and methods

ABSTRACT

A filter arrangement includes a media construction comprising a corrugated sheet secured to a flat sheet rolled into a coiled construction. A frame and a first seal member are provided. The frame secures the first seal member to the coiled construction. The first seal member is preferably oriented to form a radial seal with a housing. A second seal member is secured to the outer annular surface of the coiled construction. The second seal member includes a gasket extension having first and second opposite ends; an attachment portion; and a protrusion extending from the attachment portion. The second seal member is preferably oriented to form an axial seal with a housing. Air cleaners preferably utilizing filter arrangements as described herein operably installed within housings. Methods of installing, filtering, assembling, and servicing preferably include arrangements as described herein.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10/925,790,filed Aug. 24, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,997,968 which is a continuationof application Ser. No. 10/646,627, filed Aug. 22, 2003, issued as U.S.Pat. No. 6,878,190, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.09/875,844, filed Jun. 6, 2001, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,610,126, allof which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure describes filter constructions for filtering fluids,such as gas or liquid. In particular, this disclosure describes astraight-through flow filter element with sealing members, and methodsfor using and assembling such a filter element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Straight through flow filter elements have been used in systems forcleaning fluid passing therethrough. Straight through flow filterelements typically have an inlet face and an oppositely disposed outletface. In this manner, fluid flows in one direction upon entering thefilter element at the inlet face and will have the same direction offlow as it exits the outlet face. Typically, straight through flowfilter elements will be installed in a duct or housing of some type.After a period of use, the filter element will require servicing, eithercleaning or a complete replacement of the filter element. If it isdifficult or inconvenient to service the filter element, the user maydelay the proper servicing, which can cause damage to whatever system isbeing filtered.

Improvements to straight through flow filter elements are desirable.

SUMMARY

A filter arrangement is provided and includes a media constructioncomprising a corrugated sheet secured to a flat sheet rolled into acoiled construction. A frame and a first seal member are provided. Theframe secures the first seal member to the coiled construction. Thefirst seal member is preferably oriented to form a radial seal with ahousing. A second seal member is secured to the outer annular surface ofthe coiled construction. The second seal member includes a gasketextension having first and second opposite ends; an attachment portion;and a protrusion extending from the attachment portion. The second sealmember is preferably oriented to form an axial seal with a housing.

Air cleaners preferably utilize filter arrangements as described hereinoperably installed within housings.

Methods of installing, filtering, assembling, and servicing preferablyinclude arrangements as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic, side elevational view with a portion broken awayshowing a cross-section of one embodiment of an air cleaner including ahousing with a filter element, the cross-section being taken along theline 1-1 of FIG. 2, constructed according to principles of thisdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic end view of the air cleaner depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, schematic, fragmented, cross-sectional view of aportion of FIG. 1 showing one of the seals;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, schematic, cross-sectional view of one of theseal members of the filter element depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic, enlarged, fragmented cross-sectional view of oneof the seal members of the filter element depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic, exploded, cross-sectional view of the filterelement utilized in the air cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an end view of one embodiment of a frame utilized by thefilter element of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic, enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional viewshowing a connection between the frame of FIG. 7 and a core of thefilter element depicted in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a schematic, enlarged, fragmented, cross-sectional viewdepicting connection between a knob and a core of the filter elementdepicted in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic, exploded, perspective view of the filter elementutilized in the air cleaner of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts an air cleaner 1, including a housing 2 with a filterelement 10 operably mounted therein. The housing 2 preferably includes abody member 3 and a removable cover 4. The filter element 10 isselectively removable and replaceable from the housing 2 by removing thecover 4 from the body member 3, providing access to the element 10.

The air cleaner 1 is usable for cleaning fluid, such as gas, inparticular air. The filter element 10 is configured to permit straightthrough flow. By the term “straight through flow,” it is meant that thefluid flows directly through the filter element 10, entering at an inletface 11 and exiting in a same direction at an opposite, outlet face 12without turning a corner. The filter element 10 includes filter media 14that is configured to filter particulates from the gas stream enteringat the inlet face 11, such that the gas stream exiting the outlet face12 is at least partially clean (i.e., free of particulates). As can alsobe seen in FIG. 1, the filter element 10 includes a first seal member16, which aids in inhibiting leakage between the filter element 10 andthe housing 2 in which the filter element 10 is installed. The filterelement also includes a second seal member 18, which is orientedupstream of the first seal member 16, and also aids in inhibitingleakage between the element 10 and the housing 2. The second seal member18 also helps to prevent an accumulation of dust between the element 10and the housing 2 upstream of the first seal member 16. The filterelement 10 may include an optional center piece construction 20,depicted in FIG. 6.

The air cleaner 1 may also include an optional safety element 5. In FIG.1, the safety element 5 is depicted schematically, and is orienteddownstream of the filter element 10. The safety element 5 helps toprotect downstream components in the filtration system, in case offailure of the filter element 10. The safety element 5 also protectsdownstream components during servicing of the air cleaner 1. By“servicing”, it is meant when the cover 4 is removed from the bodymember 3, and the filter element 10 is removed from the body member 3and replaced with a new filter element. The air cleaner 1 may alsoinclude an optional secondary element (not shown in the drawings). Thesecondary element would also provide protection to downstream componentswhile servicing the air cleaner 1. One usable secondary element includesthe secondary elements described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,122 issued onApr. 24, 2001, which patent is incorporated herein by reference.

Other features visible in FIGS. 1 and 2 include an outlet tube 6 on thebody member 3 and an inlet grid 7 on the cover 4. In particular, thecover 4 defines a plurality of elongated slots 8 to take in incoming gasto be directed through the filter element 10. The grid 7 helps to removelarge particles, such as leaves and insects from the gas stream beingdirected into the filter element 10.

Filter media 14 usable in this construction is described in detail inU.S. Pat. No. 6,190,432 and international publication WO 97/40918,published Nov. 6, 1997. Each of these publications is incorporated byreference herein. In general, the filter media 14 is a coiledconstruction 24 (FIG. 10) having a fluted sheet secured to a flat sheet.The fluted sheet generally is a corrugated layer and is secured to theflat sheet with an adhesive, which helps to form appropriate seals. Thecorrugation utilized in the filter media 14 can be many types ofconfigurations. Of those possible, examples include corrugationsresulting in straight flutes, where the flutes are parallel to eachother; straight flutes having crushed ends or pinched ends; and taperedflutes, where alternating flutes gradually converge from a wide sectionto a narrow section with the next adjacent flute diverging from a narrowsection to a wide section. In the element 10 depicted, the corrugatedsheet and flat sheet secured together are rolled or coiled around aportion of the center piece construction 20 (FIG. 6), with an adhesiveto inhibit air leakage between the media 14 and the center piececonstruction 20. In other embodiments, the element 10 may be coreless,such that the fluted sheet and flat sheet secured together are notrolled around a center core.

The flute chambers form alternating peaks and troughs. The troughs andpeaks divide the flutes into a first row and a second row. The flutechambers are then closed (for example, by a bead of sealant) to fills aportion of the upstream end of the flute between the fluting sheet andthe flat sheet. On the opposite end, another end bead (for example)closes the downstream end of alternating flutes. This results in filtermedia 14 having media comprising a plurality of flute chambers, witheach of the flute chambers having a first end adjacent to the filterelement inlet face 11, and a second end adjacent to the filter elementoutlet face 12. Selected ones of the flute chambers are open at thefirst end and closed at the second end (“inlet flutes”), while selectedones of the flute chambers are closed at the first end and open at thesecond end (“outlet flutes”).

When using filter media 14 constructed in this manner, during use,unfiltered fluid, such as air, enters the inlet flutes at the inlet face11 through the open upstream end. The unfiltered fluid is not permittedto pass through the downstream ends of those flute chambers that theyentered into because those particular flute chambers are closed by asealant bead. Thus, the fluid is forced to proceed through the flutingsheet or the flat sheet. As the unfiltered fluid passes through thefluting sheet or the flat sheet, the fluid is cleaned or filtered. Thefluid then passes through the outlet flutes that have their upstreamends closed and their downstream ends open.

In reference again to FIG. 1, it can be seen how the filter element 10is sealed within the housing 2. The seal member 16 is for creating aseal with the housing that the filter element 10 is installed within.Such a seal will inhibit leakage of fluid between the filter element 10and the housing, to ensure that the unfiltered fluid must pass throughthe filter media 14 for cleaning. The seal member 16 can include varioustypes of sealing arrangements, such as axially directed seals, radiallydirected seals, or a combination of these. In the particular onedepicted in FIG. 1, the seal member 16 is a radial seal member 26,configured to result in a radially directed seal 27 with the housing. Inthis particular embodiment, the radial seal member 26 is supported by aframe construction 28 (FIGS. 6 and 7). The frame construction 28includes an extension 30 (FIG. 6) that projects or extends axially fromthe outlet face 12. The frame construction 28 also includes a skirt orband 32 that is used to secure the filter media 14 to remaining portionsof the frame construction 28.

The particular radial seal member 26 that is preferred is shown,enlarged, in FIG. 4. The preferred seal member 26 depicted has a steppedcross-sectional configuration of increasing outermost dimensions anddefines a plurality of progressively larger steps, in this case, threesteps 37, 38, 39 from an end tip 40 and in the direction toward the restof the filter element 10. The smallest step 37 allows for easy insertionof the filter element 10 into the housing. The largest step 39 ensuresthat a tight radial seal is formed. In preferred cases, the radial sealmember 26 is made from a polyurethane foam material having “as-molded”density of no greater than 25 lbs per cubic foot, typically about 11-22lbs. per cubic foot. This material permits the seal member 26 to be softand compressible, such that the seal member 26 can be compressed betweenthe extension 30 and a sealing surface of the housing in which it isinstalled. In preferred applications, the seal member 26 is compressedbetween about 15% and 40% of its thickness. The radial seal member 26and the manner in which it is used to seal against a housing isdescribed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,432, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

Preferably, the radial seal member 26 will be supported by the frameconstruction 28 to help keep the seal member 26 properly orientedagainst the sealing surface of the housing. The frame construction 28preferably includes a truss system 42 (FIG. 7) to help support the sealmember 26. In general, the truss system 42 includes a plurality ofstruts or support members 44 arranged and configured to providestructural support and take the forces exerted by the compression of theseal member 26 against the extension 30. The struts or support members44 can be arranged in a variety of configurations. In the particulararrangement shown in FIG. 7, the truss system 42 includes a plurality ofspokes 46 symmetrically arranged over the outlet face 12, radiallyextending from a hub 47 centered over the center piece construction 20and terminating at the extension 30 and the band 32. The truss system 42further includes arched members 48 extending between and connecting eachof the spokes 46.

Turning now to the second seal member 18, it can be seen in FIG. 1 howthe second seal member 18 is arranged relative to the filter element 10and the housing 2 to provide a seal 100 therebetween. An enlarged,schematic view of this seal is shown in FIG. 3. The second seal member18 may be oriented and sized in a variety of configurations to result inan axial seal, a radial seal, or a combination of these types. In thearrangement depicted in FIG. 3, the seal member 18, the housing 2, andthe filter element 10 are constructed, sized, and arranged to result inan axial seal 101. In particular, the seal member 18 is squeezed orcompressed by axial forces between the cover 4 and the body member 3 byaction of the clamp assembly 104 (FIG. 2). Tightening of the clampassembly 104 results in the cover 4 being moved axially against the bodymember 3. This squeezes the seal member 18 between the cover 4 and thebody member 3 to result in the axial seal 101.

FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged, fragmented, schematic, cross-sectional viewof the seal member 18. The particular seal member 18 depicted includes agasket extension 106 having an attachment portion 108 and a protrusion110 for forming the axial seal 101, extending from the attachmentportion 108. In particular, the attachment portion 108 includes anattachment surface 112, being generally a smooth, flat plane 114 thatprovides for secure attachment to an outer annular surface 113 of thecoiled construction 24. Opposite of the attachment surface 112 is abevel or ramp 116 extending from one end 118 (adjacent to the inlet end11 of the element 10) up until the protrusion 110. The protrusion 110includes first and second inclines 120, 121 with a land 122 extendingtherebetween. In the preferred embodiment shown, the land 122 isgenerally parallel to the attachment surface 112. Also, in preferredembodiments, the inclines 120, 121 are symmetrical. It can be seen inFIG. 5 that the protrusion 110 (the protrusion 110 including: theinclines 120, 121; the land 122; and an imaginary straight lineconnecting portions 120 a, 121 a where the inclines intersect theattachment portion 108) generally resemble a truncated triangle. Inpreferred embodiments, the protrusion 110 has the cross-sectional shapeof a trapezoid. Extending from the protrusion 110, adjacent to theincline 121 is a second ramp 124. The ramp 124 extends from the incline121 to an end 126. End 118 and end 126 form opposite ends of the gasketextension 106. The end 126 is nearer to the outlet end 12 of the element10 than the end 118 is to the outlet end 12.

In preferred embodiments, the end 118 of the gasket extension 106 iseven with the inlet face 11. This arrangement helps to protect theelement 10 during installation of the element 10 in the housing 2. Inaddition, the cover 4 is more tightly secured to the body member 3 bythe extension of the ramp 116.

One, specific, usable gasket extension 106 includes the followingdimensions: an overall length between end 118 and end 126 of at least 2inches, preferably 2.5-3.4 inches; a height of the protrusion 110 fromthe attachment surface 112 to the land 122 of at least 0.5 inch,preferably 0.75-1 inch; the land 122 extending from the end 118 at least1.5 inches, preferably 1.75-2.25 inches; a length of the land 122extending at least 0.1 inch, preferably 0.2-0.3 inch; each of theinclines 120, 121 being angled relative to the plane parallel to theland 122 at least 45 degrees, preferably 55-65 degrees; the first ramp116 being angled from the horizontal (a plane parallel to the land 122)of at least 2 degrees, preferably 3-7 degrees; and the ramp 124 beingangled relative to the plane parallel to the land 122 of at least 15degrees, preferably 22-27 degrees.

FIG. 3 depicts the gasket extension 106 as being secured to an exteriorportion 130 of the coiled construction 24. In particular, the attachmentsurface 112 is secured, by way of adhesive or other suitable securingarrangement, to the exterior portion 130.

As mentioned above, the filter element 10 may include an optional centerpiece construction. The particular embodiment of the filter element 10that is illustrated includes the center piece construction 20. Thecenter piece construction 20 provides a mounting structure for holdingand having the filter media 14 mounted thereon. The center piececonstruction 20, in preferred embodiments, also provides structure thatis constructed and arranged to connect or be secured to other portionsin a fluid cleaning system. For example, the center piece construction20 may be constructed to permit framework from the filter housing 2 tobe secured thereto. It may also provide structure to permit otherstructural support members from the filter element 10, the housing 2, orother portions of the filtration system. Alternatively, the center piececonstruction 20 may merely function to hold the filter media 14 and bedevoid of any other connections. In situations where the center piececonstruction 20 is devoid of connections, either at one or both ends,the center piece construction 20 may be blocked with a suitable plug atone or both ends.

In the particular embodiment illustrated, the center piece construction20 is constructed and arranged to be releasably, selectively secured orattached to the frame construction 28. In this particular embodiment,the center piece construction 20 is also depicted as being secured to anoptional handle 22.

FIG. 6 shows the center piece construction 20 in schematic,cross-sectional view. In this particular embodiment, the center piececonstruction 20 comprises a central core 51 to the filter element 10.The core 51 is embodied as tube 52, preferably, a hollow cylinder 54.The cylinder 54 includes the first and second opposite ends 56, 57. Thefirst end 56 is configured for selective attachment to the frameconstruction 28, usually located at the outlet face 12. The second end57 is configured for optional attachment to the handle 22, and isusually located at the inlet face 11. A wall 58 is shown atapproximately the center of the cylinder 54 to close the interior 59.The wall 58 provides structural support to the cylinder 54 at thissection.

As mentioned above, the first end 56 of the cylinder 54, in the onedepicted, is constructed and arranged to connect to the frameconstruction 28. Preferably, the first end 56 of the cylinder 54includes a hook arrangement 76. The hook arrangement 76 includes atleast one flange, preferably, a pair of deflectable flanges 62, 63having hooks 66, 67 that engage the central hub 47 of the frameconstruction 28. In particular, the cylinder 54 has a pair of cut outextensions 69, 70 that allow the flanges 62, 63 to deflect toward eachother (radially inwardly). Typically, the deflection will occur bycamming force exerted by the hub 47 against the hooks 66, 67. See FIG.8. As the frame construction 28 and the cylinder 54 are moved axiallytoward each other and the flanges 62, 63 are deflecting inwardly,eventually the hub 47 will reach the reliefs 72, 73 on the hooks 66, 67.When this happens, the flanges 62, 63 will deflect back to their naturalposition, and the cylinder 54 will be secured to the frame construction28 because the hub 47 will be trapped below the hooks 66, 67. A rib 74,radially extending from the cylinder wall 75 and adjacent to the flanges62, 63, prevents the frame 28 from sliding axially along the cylinder 75toward the second end 57. It should be understood that the hookarrangement 76 could be on the framework 28 and engage the cylinder 54.

In reference now to FIG. 9, the second end 57 is shown optionallysecured to the handle 22. In this particular embodiment, the handle 22is in the form of a grip or knob 76. The knob 76 is arranged such thatwhen mounted on the filter element 10, it includes a grasping structure78 that is spaced a sufficient distance away from the inlet face 11 topermit at least a portion of a user's hand or fingers to be between thegrasping structure 78 and the inlet face 11. In one example, thegrasping structure 78 is spaced at least 0.5 inch from the inlet face11. The particular knob 76 depicted includes a shaft 80 adjacent to thegrasping structure 78. The shaft 80 is constructed and arranged to allowconvenient engagement with the cylinder 54. In particular, the shaft 80includes a pair of deflecting flanges 82, 83 having hooks 85, 86.Adjacent to each of the flanges 82, 83 are cut out extensions (notshown) that permit the flanges 82, 83 to deflect radially inwardly andtoward each other.

The preferred cylinder 54, at the second end 57, defines at lease one,and preferably, a pair of apertures or voids 90, 91. The voids 90, 91receive the deflecting flanges 82, 83 and engage the hooks 85, 86 toprovide for a snap-fit engagement between the knob 76 and the cylinder54. Again, it should be understood that parts can be reversed—that is,the second end 57 could have the barbs or deflecting flanges and engageapertures on the handle 22.

Note that in the cylinder 54 depicted, the voids 90, 91 are radiallyoffset by 90 degrees relative to the cut out extensions 69, 70 of thefirst end 56. The voids 90, 91 are generally in line with the flanges62, 63. This is arranged in this manner for molding techniques.

In general, to assemble the filter element 10, the filter media 14 iscoiled or wound around the core 51. After the filter media 14 is inplace around the core 51, the frame construction 28 holding the radialseal member 26 is mounted onto the filter media 14. This is done by snapengagement between the deflecting flanges 62, 63 and the hub 47. Theband 32 is also secured to the outer periphery 113 of the coiledconstruction 24. Next, the knob 76 is snapped into the second end 57 ofthe core 51, by engagement between the flanges 82, 83 and the voids 90,91. Of course, it should be realized that the knob 76 may be secured tothe coiled construction 54 before the frame construction 28 is securedto the coiled construction 54.

The filter element 10 is then operably installed within the housing 2.The cover 4 will be removed from the body member 3 to provide access tothe interior of the body member 3. The filter element 10 is insertedinto the body member 3, with the outlet face 12 leading the insertiondirection. The filter element 10 is pushed axially into the body member3 to provide contact between the first seal member 16 and the housing 2to create the radial seal 27.

Next, the cover 4 is oriented over the inlet face 11 of the filterelement 10 that is protruding from the body member 3. The cover 4 isoperably oriented to rest against the end of the body member 3, and theclamp assembly 104 is actuated. The clamp assembly 104 provides for anaxial compression between the cover 4 and the body member 3. The secondseal member 18 is also at this body member 3/cover 4 interface. Theclamp assembly 104 is continued to be actuated to provide the axialforce, until the axial seal 101 is formed between the cover 4, thesecond seal member 18 of the filter element 10, and the body member 3.

In operation, gas to be cleaned enters the air cleaner 1 through theslots 8 in the inlet grid 7. This partially filters the gas, by removinglarge debris. The gas then proceeds to the inlet face 11, through thefilter media 14, and exits through the outlet face 12. After exiting theoutlet face 12, the air may pass through an optional safety element 5 orsecondary element, before exiting the housing 3 through the outlet tube6.

After a period of operation, the media 14 will become loaded with dustand require servicing. To service the air cleaner 1, the cover 4 isremoved from the body member by loosening the clamp assembly 104. Thisreleases the axial seal 101. The cover 4 is removed from the bodymember, and the filter element 10 is removed from the body member 3 bypulling the filter element 10 from the body member 3. This releases theradial seal 27. The filter element 10 may then be disposed of, forexample, by incineration. The filter element 10 preferably isconstructed of at least 95%, more preferably 100% metal-free materials.The air cleaner 1 may then be supplied with a second, new, unused filterelement.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the invention. Manyembodiments of the invention can be made.

1. An air filter arrangement comprising: (a) a straight through flowmedia construction comprising a fluted media sheet secured to a secondmedia sheet and having a coiled construction; the media constructionhaving a plurality of flutes, an inlet face, an opposite outlet face,and an outer surface; (i) said plurality of flutes comprising inletflutes and outlet flutes; (A) said inlet flutes being open adjacent tosaid inlet face and closed adjacent to said outlet face; and said outletflutes being closed adjacent to said inlet face and open adjacent tosaid outlet face; and, (B) the media construction being closed topassage of unfiltered air therethrough without filtering passage throughthe media; and, (b) a seal member secured to said outer surface of saidcoiled media construction; (i) said seal member including a gasketextension having: first and second opposite ends; an attachment portion;and, a protrusion extending from the attachment portion; (A) saidattachment portion including an attachment surface securing said gasketextension to said outer surface of said coiled construction; (B) saidprotrusion extending from the attachment portion to permit portions of ahousing to squeeze the protrusion and form an axial seal; (1) saidprotrusion including first and second portions with a land therebetween;the land being generally parallel to the attachment surface; and (C)said gasket extension including first and second sections; said firstsection extending from said first end of the gasket extension to saidfirst portion of the protrusion; said second section extending from saidsecond portion of the protrusion to said second end of the gasketextension.
 2. An air filter arrangement according to claim 1 furthercomprising: (a) a handle positioned to project outwardly from the inletface.
 3. An air filter arrangement according to claim 1 furthercomprising: (a) a core construction within said media construction. 4.An air filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein: (a) saidattachment surface is secured to said outer surface of said coiledconstruction with adhesive.
 5. An air filter arrangement according toclaim 1 wherein: (a) the coiled media construction is round.
 6. An airfilter arrangement according to claim 1 further including: (a) a radialseal member secured to the coiled construction.
 7. An air filterarrangement according to claim 6 wherein: (a) the radial seal member ispositioned adjacent the outlet face of the media construction.
 8. An airfilter arrangement comprising: (a) a straight through flow mediaconstruction comprising a fluted media sheet secured to a second mediasheet and having a coiled construction; the media construction having aplurality of flutes, an inlet face, an opposite outlet face, and anouter surface; (i) said plurality of flutes comprising inlet flutes andoutlet flutes; (A) said inlet flutes being open adjacent to said inletface and closed adjacent to said outlet face; and said outlet flutesbeing closed adjacent to said inlet face and open adjacent to saidoutlet face; and, (B) the media construction being closed to passage ofunfiltered air therethrough without filtering passage through the media;and, (b) a first seal member positioned adjacent the media constructionoutlet face; (i) the first seal member comprising a radial seal membersupport on a frame construction secured to the media construction; and,(c) a second seal member secured to said outer surface of said coiledmedia construction at a location spaced from the first seal member; (i)said second seal member including a gasket extension having aprotrusion; (A) said protrusion extending from the media construction topermit portions of a housing to squeeze the protrusion and form an axialseal.
 9. An air cleaner comprising: (a) a housing having a body memberand a removable cover, an inlet, and an outlet; and (b) a straightthrough flow filter element operably mounted within the housing; thefilter element having media and defining an inlet face, and an oppositeoutlet face, such that gas to be cleaned passes through the housinginlet, through the element inlet face, through the media, through theelement outlet face, and out through the housing outlet; (i) the mediacomprising a fluted media sheet secured to a second media sheet andhaving a coiled construction with a plurality of flutes and an outersurface; (ii) said plurality of flutes comprising inlet flutes andoutlet flutes; (A) said inlet flutes being open at the inlet face andclosed at the outlet face; and said outlet flutes being closed at theinlet face and open at the outlet face; and, (B) the media constructionbeing closed to passage of unfiltered air therethrough without filteringpassage through the media; and, (iii) a seal member secured to saidouter surface of said coiled media construction; (A) said seal memberincluding a gasket extension having: first and second opposite ends; anattachment portion; and a protrusion extending from the attachmentportion; (B) said attachment portion including an attachment surfacesecuring said gasket extension to said outer surface of said coiledconstruction; (C) said protrusion extending from the attachment portionto permit portions of the housing to squeeze the protrusion and form anaxial seal between the filter element and the housing; (1) saidprotrusion including first and second portions with a land therebetween;the land being generally parallel to the attachment surface; and (D)said gasket extension including first and second sections; said firstsection extending from said first end of the gasket extension to saidfirst portion of the protrusion; said second section extending from saidsecond portion of the protrusion to said second end of the gasketextension.
 10. An air cleaner according to claim 9 further including:(a) a safety element operably oriented in the housing downstream of thefilter element.
 11. An air cleaner according to claim 9 wherein: (a) theaxial seal is formed by squeezing the protrusion between the housingcover and housing body member.
 12. An air cleaner according to claim 11wherein: (a) said protrusion has a cross-sectional shape of a trapezoid.13. An air cleaner according to claim 9 further including: (a) a radialseal formed between the filter element and the housing.
 14. An aircleaner according to claim 9 wherein: (a) the filter element is round.15. An air cleaner according to claim 9 wherein: (a) a handle ispositioned to project outwardly from the inlet face of the media.